Do you need a Novi Divorce Lawyer?

Our divorce lawyer Novi knows divorces are emotional and challenging which can lead to potential poor judgment calls. Not only are you not in the right frame of mind for a healthy, stable relationship, but it can also affect your legal standing in the divorce.

If you are considering a divorce, don’t deal with the matter alone. Seeking the advice of an experienced divorce lawyer is always the best course of action.

Call us today at (248) 650-0055 to find out how our Novi lawyers can help you.

Scott J. Sumner, J.D. was born in Macomb County, Michigan and attended Utica Community Schools before graduating from Michigan State University (1986) and Michigan State College of Law (1989), previously Detroit College of Law (DCL).

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      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 105 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Angie Ames 
 December 14, 2024.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The estate planning process was very easy from beginning to end. Sarah and Bernard’s process was very efficient and we appreciated how easy this was. Would highly recommend using Sumner and Associates.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Satya Venkata Krishna Achanta 
 December 11, 2024.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am incredibly grateful to Scott and his team for their outstanding support during my divorce case. From the very beginning, they were professional, attentive, and empathetic, ensuring that I felt heard and understood throughout the process. Scott demonstrated remarkable expertise and flexibility, especially in handling complex matters like serving summons to my wife in India, making the process smoother than I anticipated. The communication was seamless, and I always felt informed and confident in their guidance. Thanks to Scott’s strategic approach, the case was resolved successfully. I highly recommend Scott and his team to anyone in need of dedicated, knowledgeable, and adaptable legal representation!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Rajesh Thakkar 
 December 5, 2024.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great service. I would highly recommend Summer & Associates.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Linda Roberts 
 November 26, 2024.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We recently had Sumner & Associates help us navigate our estate planning, and we couldn’t be happier. From the initial phone call from Scott, to the final review and signing of all of our documents with Bernard, they explained every detail, with patience, to us. We truly appreciated their thoroughness, personal attention and time they spent with us.

The thought of estate planning was very daunting for us but with Sumner & Associates, they made it very easy, and now we are confident that we have everything in place.  We highly recommend Sumner & Associates to anyone in need of estate planning services.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kevin Hoang 
 November 1, 2024.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We recently worked with Scott and his team for estate planning. Scott and his team were extremely organized and professional throughout. He took careful time to ensure that we understood all of the implications and details, feeding us information via several session to ensure our desires were understood. His team was very quick to respond and worked with us to ensure that all of our questions, concerns, and special requests were considered. We would highly recommend Scott and his team for any estate planning!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Steve Stanley 
 September 26, 2024.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I used Sumner and Associates for my Estate Plan. They did an excellent jog. Answered all of my questions thoroughly and did a great job of explaining the documents they provided.  Most of it could be done by phone, which was great. Highly recommend them
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Alana Bartolotta 
 September 17, 2024.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We recently worked with Scott J. Sumner for our family’s estate planning, and the experience was exceptional from start to finish. We had a MetLife legal plan through our employer, and found them through that. Scott and his team made what can be a daunting process incredibly easy to understand. They were highly organized, walking us through each step with clarity and professionalism. We felt confident and well-supported throughout, knowing that no detail was overlooked. If you’re looking for an estate planning attorney who truly cares and simplifies the entire process, I highly recommend Scott and his team!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Amy Dale 
 August 24, 2024.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great attention to detail! Scott took his time to explain any questions I had and label pages I need to use at the bank,  etc.  Sarah is also a joy to work with taking all my information and getting the job going.  I highly recommend Sumner and Associates!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kira Voelker 
 August 3, 2024.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Sumner and Associates was wonderful to work with. We were building/updating our wills/trust, working from 2 states. The team was patient with our setup, very informational on combining our existing (and non-existing) paperwork, and made sure we left with everything needed and more for anything that may arise.

Frequently Asked Questions for Divorce Lawyer Novi

How will I know my spouse is not hiding money from me?
Much of our property is in my spouse’s name. Does this mean he/she will get that property in the end?
My spouse abused or cheated on me during the marriage. Does that matter?

How will I know my spouse is not hiding money from me?

As part of the divorce process, you and your spouse will be required to engage in financial disclosure. Financial disclosure means that you and your spouse will reveal to each other, through your attorneys, all of your assets and debt. Your attorney will review this information and may require additional information. If your attorney believes it is required, more extensive information can be gained by using interrogatories (written questions) or depositions (oral questions in person). Your attorney can also use the Subpoena power of the court to get documents from third parties, such as banks or employers.

Much of our property is in my spouse’s name. Does this mean he/she will get that property in the end?

No. The name on the title for the property does not control who will get the property in the end. In a divorce property is broken out into at least three parts- Marital property, Pre-marital property & Separate property. Marital property is typically earned during the marriage and this share is divided equally between the marital partners. Pre-marital property is property earned before the marriage and kept separate from the other spouse during the marriage. A good example of premarital property would be the balance in a 401k retirement account one spouse had, before the marriage. Each party is entitled to keep their premarital interest. Separate property is property owned by one spouse without having any marital contribution. A good example of separate property is inheritance that has been maintained in a separate account from their spouse. If it is true separate property and has not been mixed or commingled with marital property, then that spouse can take their separate property without claim from the other.

My spouse abused or cheated on me during the marriage. Does that matter?

Michigan is a no fault divorce state. That means that one spouse does not have to find or name a fault as a cause for the divorce. All one needs to do is meet the State of Michigan’s residency requirements and file a complaint for divorce. If either party wants to pursue the issue of adultery or abuse, remember this is a lawsuit in a court of law and evidence and proof will be required. Even if evidence and proof are shown, it may not affect your settlement. However, in cases where a spouse has expended marital finances to conduct or maintain an extramarital affair, those assets can be allocated to your spouse’s share or adjusted, in the final settlement. Sometimes bad acts such as abuse or adultery can result in a disproportionate settlement, due to the bad behavior of one spouse who causes the breakdown.